Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that typically presents as inflamed nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts in the apocrine gland–bearing regions.
Chronic pain, fatigue, and social isolation put patients with HS at risk for psychiatric comorbidities, with the prevalence of depression estimated to be as high as 43%. Work productivity and sexual relationships may also be affected.
Early treatment of the condition, as well as screening for depression, may help alleviate the psychosocial burden of HS.
In this ReCAP, Dr Jennifer Hsiao from Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, outlines mental health screening tools that dermatologists can use to help recognize at-risk patients and potentially refer them to mental health experts.
--
Jennifer Hsiao, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
Jennifer Hsiao, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:
Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AbbVie; Boehringer Ingelheim; Novartis; UCB
Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: AbbVie